Who Knew That Dating Came with a Rule Book?

By Lizzie Rush
Editor In Chief
IG: liz.rush

The concept of dating has been around for a millenia and it’s not going away anytime soon.

While every generation may have its own rulebook when it comes to romance, Generation Z has developed its very own rules when it comes to dating, with the help from technology and social media apps.

Creating terminology like “situationship” and “ghosting”, members of Generation Z may find themselves following certain unspoken rules when it comes to dating.

Wichita freshman, Valeria Martinez said, “I feel like nowadays people can’t even pay for dinner or even open a door for a female,” said Valeria Martinez, Wichita freshman.

Martinez thinks chivalry should make a comeback. While social media and dating apps have altered the way younger generations go about dating, some still wish for the old-school habits.

“Sometimes I like the traditional route where the man pays for the first date, and of course the woman can pay for the first date as well, but I always think it’s good for the man to pay for the first date,” said Abi Cavavos, Wichita freshman.

Another rule Cavavos pointed out was that people should not be on their phones on a first date, instead giving their full attention to the person they are with.

Martinez and Cavavos both said they believe dating in this generation is different than in previous generations.

“People don’t take anything seriously. They’ll snap other people, text other people, and that wasn’t a thing back then. Back then you had to wait for someone to call you up on the landline,” Cavaos said.

First dates are what make the first impression, and Martinez thinks the first date location is an essential part to the start of something new.

“If someone takes you to the movies, I feel like you guys can’t have a good connection. When I go out with someone for the first time, it’s like maybe dinner or a walk. I feel like you can really feel the connection if it’s there or not,” Martinez said.

Ty Steffens, Burlington freshman, said an unconditional rule for him is good communication.

“We’ve got to have clear cut communication, make sure everyone’s on the same page. I don’t want to ask 50 questions just to get one response,” Steffens said.

Just like Martinez and Cavavos, Steffens said dating in this current generation is significantly different than from past generations, technology being the main source.

“People back then had to meet in person and actually get to know each other, but now it’s like you just make connections on your phone. You don’t really get to see the person until the first date even though you guys have been talking for a while,” Steffens said.

One thing Zeke Harper, Maize freshman, doesn’t like when it comes to dating, is people’s ability to get mad when their significant other doesn’t respond immediately.

“When people are in the talking stage, people assume that you’re doing nothing ever. People assume that whoever they’re texting just does nothing. It’s like ‘It’s been two minutes. Why are you not texting me back?’” Harper said.

Harper said he thinks technology has changed the way people go about dating.

“You can talk to people without having to talk to people. There’s so much more confidence behind a screen. People are way more willing to say anything online.”

While Generation Z may have unconventional rules when it comes to the technological advances within dating, many seem to still enjoy the old-school romance. 

Views: 13